How to make oneself go see a psychologist?

[Mil]

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I suppose I'll get re-oriented if there's a better section of the forum for this.
I'm a 28-year-old woman with a bit of anxiety. I'm seeking to get this treated as it's lately been more crippling than before (I have anti-productive anxiety that makes me procrastinate) and I feel like it's starting to affect my sense of self (I feel like I've become an over-worrying, nagging, whining person when I used to take most things with good humour). My issue is, I've never been to a psych and I'm not really good at discussing private/intimate matters such as these so it's quite terrifying and easy to find excuses to not actually do it (I don't have time/money for this - which is true in a sense, but I'm the person deciding how I allocate my money and time so... blah). Instead I'm stuck into this phase of just thinking/talking about going to see someone. Plus I don't currently have Medicare. I recently learnt I might be able to get it, but instead of investigating this further I'm writing this. Or, as soon as I have better days, I tell myself I don't really need this, that I'm just being over-dramatic or too lazy to tackle my own issues myself, that it's not that bad etc. And it IS not that bad, I'm still functioning, just not very well sometimes and self-loathing is starting to kick in. I don't know. It sounds like a very "privileged problem" compared to some people who are in much deeper discomfort. But at the same time, I don't want to slide further down so addressing this now is probably wise.
Anyone else going/gone through this? I know there's no miracle trick and I just need to do it. But it'd be nice to hear from people who have been there.

I also have an unrelated (I think?) issue that I don't know what to do with but it might be best to discuss it in another post. When I'm ready. Have I mentioned I'm a professional procrastinator? Ergh!

Anyway, thanks for reading and thanks for this awesome website.

Mil

PS: Sorry if my English sounds a bit weird at times, I'm not a native speaker.

[Mil]

Hey everyone,

So, it's been a year... I think if there was a procrastination comp I'd have my chances to win the grand title!

Anyway, I did it - I'm registered on Medicare and I went to my first psych appointment last week 🙂 It was Very Scary but it went well, I think. It's just annoying because just speaking about my anxiety ramps up, you guessed it, my anxiety. But it WAS good to talk to someone about it and to know that I've taken the first step to work on it. Next appointment is in a week, still very nervous about going, but at least the first contact with the psychologist was good so that's one less unknown parameter.

Just wanted to update and thank you all for the support.

All the best,

Mil

[Doolhof]

Hi Mil,

Welcome back! I am so pleased to read you have managed to see a psychologist.

It can feel a little daunting and maybe awkward at times. Sounds like your first session went well.

There have been times when after a session I have gone for a short walk to think things through or have sat in the car until my mind feels more settled.

It may help if you have a list of things you desire to discuss with the psychologist, or bring up questions about your last session that you may have written down between sessions.

Wishing you well with your appointments!

Cheers from Dools

[Mil]

Hi Dools,

Thanks very much for the tips! I think I'll start a list.

Have a great day,

Mil

[smallwolf]

Hi Mil,

One thing that I do is keep a journal of sorts for my psychologist to read through. It saves me from having to resort to using my memory. It had the added advantage of passing on information without talking, especially if these are things I might feel uncomfortable about talking about... I don't have any real issue with my psychologist reading them. Little odd, but that's me.

Tim

[Mil]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for your answer! It sounds like it's something that could probably work for me too, I'll give it a try. It's difficult expressing complex/muddled thoughts out loud, and I also feel like I always forget what was my point originally. Much easier in writing!

Cheers,

Mil

[Doolhof]

Hi Mil,

Tim's idea of a journal is a good one. I have done that as well in the past. Sometimes I read what I have written a day or two before the appointment and highlight all the bits I want the psychologist to see and that I need to discuss.

I have two journals now. One I write all the negative and troubling stuff in and one for all the happy, positive and helpful moments. I try to write down everything that is bothering me in the yuck journal, then go to the more positive journal and write down some good stuff.

If I can't find the words for the good things in life, I cut pictures from magazines and travel brochures and paste them in my positive journal.

When I am struggling, I can flick through and recall all the things I have in my life that are good!

Another thing to remember is that the psychologist is a person as well. They are doing a job that can be quite tough and tiring at times I am sure. If you feel like they are going a little off track, you can gently remind them of what help you need.

Hope you do okay at your next appointment. Even if you feel nervous and upset, that is okay as well! Showing your emotions can be part of the healing process!

Most psychologists have boxes of tissues handy!

All the best from Dools

[Mil]

Hi Dools,

I like your idea, plus it would be a nice way to express things through something a bit creative (I love doing stuff like collage, storytelling or drawing but I do little of it currently). I've never been good at journals (can't last more than a few days) but if it's broader than having to write about my day, it might work.

Cheers,

Mil

[Doolhof]

Hi Mil,

You can make a journal anything you want it to be. I don't write in mine every day. There can be weeks in-between me even looking in them let alone writing/drawing/pasting in them.

A journal can be a great way to be creative.

Sometimes I will Google for a positive quote and write that in my journal then draw around it and see what happens.

Now and then I just glue in a picture and write a few key words as to what the picture represents.

Give it a try and see what happens. I just bought a cheap exercise book from the shops to start with.

All the best. Let the creativity flow!

Cheers from Dools

[Mil]

Thank you Dools! I'm actually excited about this now 🙂

[Doolhof]

Hi Mil,

All the best with your creativity and finding what works for you with a journal/notebook/record of positives or what ever you desire to call it.

I picked up some magazines cheaply from an Op Shop with a variety of pictures I can use in my journals.

I'm planning to make time to do some work in my journal this week. Even drawing a decorative border to use another time helps with positivity and creativity.

Cheers from Dools